Monday, May 4, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1956, rockabilly artist Gene Vincent recorded his classic song Be-Bop-A-Lula in Nashville. Despite its simple lyrics, the track’s raw sound and Vincent’s Elvis-like style helped it sell millions.

An 1860s church in Nashville is finding new life as a modernized space, perfect for weddings and other special events. See the revitalized church in the story below.

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TN Advances Ibogaine Trials

Tennessee lawmakers have approved a framework for FDA-supervised clinical trials of ibogaine, a Schedule I psychoactive compound, following a federal push from President Trump to fast-track research.

The state’s new HOPE Treatment Act seeks to expand treatment options for veterans and others with PTSD, depression, and opioid use disorder.

Supporters say early evidence suggests the drug could deliver long-term relief in just a few treatments, though it remains unapproved for medical use in the U.S.

Officials plan to begin accepting research proposals from universities later this year.

Man Charged after Epstein Island Incident

A Memphis nonprofit founder is facing trespassing charges after being detained on Jeffrey Epstein’s private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he says he was gathering material for an anti-trafficking effort.

Authorities allege Benjamin Owen fled after being discovered and that a pregnant resident was injured during the encounter, though Owen disputes that claim and says video will back his account.

Court records indicate detectives found probable cause that Owen was unlawfully restrained by workers before police arrived. A man identified in court documents as Paul J. Arnold III was separately charged with assaulting Owen in front of officers.

The case soon heads to court as investigators sort out conflicting stories and potential additional charges.

Sites Considered for Historic Register

Tennessee officials are considering six properties for the National Register of Historic Places, with a state review board scheduled to vote on the nominations on May 15 in Nashville.

The sites include a historic church in Claiborne County, the Lake County Courthouse, multiple districts and properties tied to African American history, and statewide government facilities.

If approved, the nominations will move to the U.S. Department of the Interior for final consideration. See the full list here.

The effort intends to preserve key pieces of the state’s architectural and cultural history.

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➤ Gatlinburg: Authorities evacuated Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg on Saturday after a bomb threat, but officers found no credible danger following a multi-agency search of the property. (More)

➤ Memphis: Protesters blocked access to xAI’s Memphis supercomputer on Friday, citing pollution concerns, as a driver confronted demonstrators before police arrived. No arrests were made, and the protest ended peacefully. (More)

➤ Sevierville: Caesar, one of three bald eagles that escaped a storm-damaged Dollywood sanctuary, has been found and safely recovered. Search efforts continue for the remaining two birds. (See Caesar)

➤ Oak Ridge: A statue honoring Manhattan Project photographer Ed Westcott was unveiled on Saturday at Oak Ridge History Museum, celebrating the Chattanooga native who documented life and work inside the Secret City. (See Statue)

➤ Knoxville: Farragut High School graduate Hudson Macready will perform at the Whiskey Jam tailgate outside Neyland Stadium this weekend, marking one of the Knoxville musician’s biggest shows before Luke Combs takes the stage. (See Interview)

➤ Chattanooga: Preserve Chattanooga will unveil its first historic preservation plan in nearly 50 years, aiming to protect the city’s historic buildings and guide future development. (More)

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➤ Tennessee baseball suffered two blowout losses over the weekend against Kentucky, falling 9-2 in the series opener and 12-2 in a run-rule defeat in the second game, losing the series. (More)

➤ Tennessee Titans first-round pick Carnell Tate will wear jersey No. 14 in his first year in the NFL despite saying he was willing to “give up the bank” to get his No. 17, his college number, from new teammate Chimere Dike. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt baseball pulled off the ultra-rare hidden ball trick during its weekend series against No. 24 Alabama to help weaken an Alabama scoring threat. (See Highlight)

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➤ A restored 1860s church in downtown Nashville has reopened as a modern event space, blending original architecture with new amenities to host gatherings. (See Church)

➤ Tennessee drivers are paying about $42 more per month in fuel costs, among the highest increases nationwide, as rising oil prices and heavier driving push expenses higher. (More)

➤ Y-12 Credit Union is expanding its business services leadership across Tennessee and Kentucky, adding new executives to support growing commercial clients and regional growth. (More)

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➤ Hundreds gathered in Townsend on Saturday for Bigfoot’s birthday party, where festivalgoers donned costumes and competed in a lively calling contest in the Smoky Mountain foothills. (More)

➤ A student hiking club partnered with a local shelter to take dogs on weekly hikes, helping socialize the animals and boost their chances of adoption. (See Photo)

➤ A West Tennessee chef will compete for the Master BBQ title on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl, bringing Texas-style cooking to a national audience when the show premieres next Monday. (More)

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